Border Health in Marginalized
Mekong Communities

December 2001 – November 2002
Kanchanaburi, Thailand

 

A grant to The Population and Community Development Association is part of a series of grants that explore the feasibility of promoting a comprehensive approach to AIDS in marginalized, cross-border Mekong communities. The grant supported participatory research to identify nutrition and health needs (especially reproductive health needs) of marginalized ethnic communities in Kanchanaburi (Western Thailand) and Nghe An (Central Vietnam) and investigate opportunities for the development of pilot health information, education, and communications strategies to improve the health of these communities. Particular attention has been devoted to the formulation of culturally sensitive, community-based strategies to enhance reproductive health and prevent HIV transmission. In the course of the study, a combination of methodologies was applied, including participatory rapid appraisal (PRA), in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. To gain a better understanding of people’s views and concerns, participatory community efforts were supported, such as involving the community as a whole in the production of photo essays and a video documentary.

By focusing on the migrant Mon, Karen, Lao and Burmese populations along the Thai-Myanmar border, the researchers will be able to compare degrees of access to health services for marginalized populations, identify existing needs in the region, and propose strategic interventions to address them. In addition, the project will provide useful insights on the feasibility of approaching migrant and remote ethnic populations with health promotion as an entrée for wider community development activities that link health to food security, economic development, water resource management and environmental conservation.